Inverness: Scotland

Well, our last day in Inverness and the lovely Margaret of Bluebell Guest House (the B&B where we are staying) has been generous enough to allow us usage of her laptop for blogging.  This is the best place we’ve stayed on our entire trip and Margaret the best host of all; suggestions of great places to eat; fully cooked delicious breakfasts; our room is furnished with the finest and on top of all that she’s provided some Yapping Dog therapy in letting us pat her beloved boxer, Ruby.  I was even allowed to feed Ruby a dog biscuit from Harrods!  Special.  Should anyone find themselves in Inverness, this is the place to stay. 

Inverness has been a little chilly, but nothing like others warned.  Yesterday we walked along Caledonia Canal all the way up to Dochgarroch Loch; it took us about 4 hours return and it rained only lightly for the last 20mins or so.  This morning we wandered around the Ness Islands, again very picturesque, and then we wandered into town where we stumbled across a little market where a Scotsman was on his bagpipes.  A further stroll found us at the Inverness Old High Church and cemetary, dedicated to St Mary, built on St Michael’s mount in the 12th century.  It’s just next to the Free North church which is another impressive building.  The Inverness Cathedral has never been finished – it’s been going since 1866 - maybe one day they’ll get there. Some pics.

The boat stairs at Caledonia Canal

 

The JB is still thinking about how to kayak through this torrent.

Ness islands walk

Beautiful autumn colours in the gardens around Ness Islands

River Ness locals swimming against the current (I think I can, I think I can...)

River Ness raging torrent

JB's favourite place in Inverness...

 

Inverness Castle

Scotsman in full kit incl. bagpipes (sounded fantastic)

Cemetary next to Old High Church

Bluebell Guest House; this photo doesn't do the place justice

Tomorrow we board the bus back to Edinburgh for a short stay, before once again returning to London for a further few days.  Today is Prince Charles’ 60th birthday so I must head off and fetch myself a wee dram of whiskey in celebration, aye!